Etiquette

Etiquette: (et – i – kit) defined as: “conventional requirements as to social behavior; prescribed or accepted code of usage”.

Fair play and sportsmanship are keys to success and enjoyment in any sport. To ensure safety and smooth sailing on the pickleball courts, Kamloops Pickleball Club requests the following from those who play:

» On busy days use the white board to organize groups and the order for next on court.

» Acknowledge your opponents at the beginning of the game. If you are playing unfamiliar players, introduce yourself at the beginning of play. At the end of the game meet at the net and tap paddles and say something positive like “thanks for the game” or “nice play”.

» Once your game is complete, call out “Court” so the next group waiting know it is their turn to play. After your game is complete,
For Outdoor Play: Exit out the closest gate. Do not walk inside behind other courts in play.
For Indoor Play: Wait until the neighboring court has completed their point and gives you the okay to cross behind their court. Have your group exit the court together and walk briskly off the courts.

» If a pickleball bounces or rolls into your court, yell out “Ball” and immediately stop play, to ensure no one trips on the ball.

» If a pickleball enters your court during a point in play, kindly return the ball to the correct court and re-play the point.

» Call out the score before each and every point to ensure all know the score and are ready to play.

» If the ball lands on or close to the out line, the receiving team has the final say on calling the ball “In” or “Out”. Do not question the call. In social play if you are uncertain of the call, call it “In”, giving the benefit of the doubt to your opponent. They will likely return the favor when it arises.

» Play with everyone. Take time once in a while to play with weaker players – they will be thrilled to have the experience! Remember, if a stronger player is on the court with you, hit to them and often – It will make you a better player plus keep the game interesting for all who are playing. If you are playing with weaker players work on shots that they can return and learn from.

» Call yourself if you or your partner land in the kitchen on a volley. Be cautious to call kitchen or foot faults on your opponents – let them call the faults on themselves.

» Unsolicited coaching on the courts is not to be done. If someone asks for your input, offer a tip or two after your game once you are off the court, so as not to detract from the flow of the game and/or distract your opponents.